Tag: birding

the grey partridge is a medium-sized gray and brown partridge native to europe. the grey partridge has been introduced throughout much of the world, with large established populations in north america. adult grey partridges feed off of buds, vegetation, seeds, and berries, not typically feeding on bugs; however, during their first ten days of life the young partridges can only digest insects. partridges live in small flocks called coveys, feeding together on the ground.

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the atlantic canary (also known as ‘island canary’, ‘wild canary’ or just ‘canary’) is a small member of the finch family named for the canary islands, where it is native. while domestic canaries are from this species, they are very different from wild atlantic canaries; atlantic canaries are 3.9-4.7 inches in length, while domestic canaries are typically around 5 and sometimes as many as 8 inches. along with that, the wild canary has streaked brown and greenish markings that most domestic canaries do not have. atlantic canaries are social birds that live in flocks of 5 to 30 birds, foraging for grass seeds together.

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the secretary bird is a large bird of prey endemic to the grasslands and savannahs of africa. secretary birds are several feet tall and weigh 5-11 pounds, but are strong for their size – typically, they kill their prey by chasing it on foot then stomping it to death. the secretary bird is distinct from other birds of prey by its long, crane-like legs. it is thought they earned the name ‘secretary’ bird due to their black crest, which is said to resemble quills behind a secretary’s ear.

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i still do not understand how people think pigeons are boring or dull and just…walk by them!

look at the diversity of colors in these flocks!

look at this fancy pigeon!

look at this beautiful friend taking a bath!

curly joe!

flowerpot mom!

The Spy

a man out for an evening stroll!

the romantics

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pigeons are so interesting and wonderful!!!!!!!

those little pine cone birdfeeders are always a popular fall kids craft, which is awesome! but just a reminder- do not use salted peanut butter for bird feeding! small amounts likely won’t hurt, but salted foods aren’t good for birds. also check for xylitol – this is found in some peanut butter and can make birds very very sick!

if you are allergic to peanut butter, you can use unsalted sunflower, cashew, or other nut butters!

the eurasian scops-owl is found throughout southern europe and asia, with a wintering range in part of africa. the owl has several possible colors, in varying shades of grey and brown. they also feature small earlike tufts on the top of their head, though their real ears are on the sides of their head. their call is similar to that of a toad that shares their range, the midwife toad. though they are nocturnal like other owls, unlike most other species a large portion of their diet comes from insects.

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the great thrush is native to south america, and is the largest thrush species on the continent, related to the common american robin. the great thrush is an omnivore and typically eats small fruits and berries whole, but also eats insects and even occasionally eggs and nestlings. while males and females can be hard to distinguish, males’ beaks and legs are typically brighter colored.

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the barn owl is the most widespread owl in the world and one of the most widespread birds, found on every continent except antartica. barn owls are nocturnal and feed mainly on small rodents such as mice, but will also eat birds and reptiles.

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